Stir-Fried Morning Glory (Water Spinach)

Instructions

1. Start by thoroughly washing the morning glory. Trim the ends and cut it into 3-inch long sections. This will make it easier to handle in the wok. Separate the stems and leaves as the stems take longer to cook.
2. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is completely dry before adding oil to avoid splattering.
3. Add the vegetable oil to the hot pan. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic. Stir-fry the garlic for about 20-30 seconds until it is fragrant but not browned. Be careful as garlic can burn quickly.
4. Add the morning glory stems to the garlic. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, keeping the ingredients moving constantly to ensure they cook evenly.
5. Add the morning glory leaves to the wok. Continue to stir-fry until the leaves are just wilted, which should take about another 2 minutes.
6. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, ground black pepper, and a tablespoon of water. Stir well to combine the flavors. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Taste the dish and add a pinch of salt if needed. Remember, both soy sauce and oyster sauce can be salty, so adjust according to your preference.
8. Once the morning glory is tender-crisp and the flavors are well combined, remove from heat. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
9. Tip: If you prefer more heat, add a sliced chili or a pinch of chili flakes during the stir-fry process.